In a sector where connected packaging is becoming increasingly widespread, particularly under the impetus of the future European Digital Product Passport (DPP), the question of the end-of-life of RFID and NFC tags is becoming unavoidable. Belgian company Ma Balise, based in Liège, has developed Ephem, a biodegradable and compostable solution, free of plastic and metal, for the luxury, cosmetics and high-end packaging markets.
Ma Balise founder Philippe Henin presents this innovation as a direct response to the technical and environmental limitations of conventional labels. " An RFID or NFC tag on today's market consists of seven different layers, including PVC, PET, silicone and a chemically etched antenna. Only one layer is made of paper. All the rest is non-recyclable at the end of its life" sums up the CEO.
An RFID or NFC tag in just four layers
The biodegradable RFID or NFC label is based on just four layers. It consists of an FSC-certified paper backing, an antenna printed with conductive ink, an adhesive layer and a protective liner. No metal, neither copper nor aluminum, is used in the antenna. The antenna is produced by printing, thus avoiding chemical etching, which is responsible for high consumption of acid products and non-recyclable metal waste.
Philippe Henin, founder and CEO of Ma Balise.
This structural simplification guarantees the product's complete biodegradability, including in domestic compost. The Belgian company claims degradation in 30 days. The solution, produced in Benelux and Asia, has been certified by several independent bodies: DIN CERTCO for biodegradability, TÜV Rheinland for compostability and PTS Paper for recyclability in paper and cardboard channels.
Ma Balise emphasizes that this technology can meet both the regulatory requirements of the Digital Product Passport and the growing expectations of brands in terms of anti-counterfeiting and inventory management, while enabling clean disposal of media at end-of-life.
Its first customer is an international vegan cosmetics brand, which wants to offer its customers an augmented in-store experience. Other cosmetics brands have also been won over, and Ma Balise is currently in discussions with a major brand in the luxury sector to replace their conventional RFID tags with these biodegradable labels for their logistical needs.
